NOTTS MOVE WOWS RUBEN

RUBEN RODRIGUES has had to grow up fast – but Notts County’s first ever Portuguese player is determined to make his time in England a success.

- David Richardson

The talented 24-year-old became Neal Ardley’s first signing of the close season last week, joining from Dutch second-tier side Den Bosch.

Notts owners Alexander and Christoffer Reedtz, who took control last summer, have a hand in recruitment with their company Football Radar, which specialises in player analysis.

Manager Ardley watched Rodrigues more than any other player during lockdown and fought off European competition to secure the attacking midfielder.

“There was interest in the top division of Netherlands and in Germany,” said Rodrigues, who speaks fluent English as well as Dutch and Portuguese. “But the first time I arrived here, the changing room for the home team is amazing, the stadium, the field, everything was unbelievable to be honest.

“The feeling is very important to me and the feeling was there.”